Cambodia Weather in July: A Guide to the Green Season

The Rhythm of the Southwest Monsoon

Visiting Cambodia in July means immersing yourself in the heart of the southwest monsoon. This is the "Green Season," a period defined not by constant rain, but by a predictable, refreshing cycle of tropical energy. The air is heavy with moisture, but the landscape responds with a vibrant, electric green that you simply won't see during the parched dry season.

The Diurnal Cycle: Morning Light and Afternoon Drama

In July, the weather follows a remarkably consistent daily rhythm:

• Mornings: Days typically begin with soft, overcast light or bright, clear skies. This is the freshest part of the day, with temperatures around 25°C (77°F). It is the ideal time for exploration, as the air has been recently washed by the previous night’s rain.
• Afternoons: As the sun climbs, humidity builds, often reaching 80% or more. By mid-to-late afternoon, towering cumulus clouds aggregate. Most days culminate in an intense, spectacular downpour. These are rarely all-day events; instead, expect a 30-to-90-minute "cleansing" storm that can flood streets temporarily before vanishing as quickly as it arrived.
• Evenings: After the rain, the temperature drops slightly, and the air feels noticeably crisper. Evenings are balmy and social, though the humidity remains a constant companion.

Seasonal Trends and Atmosphere

July is a transitional peak within the wet season. While rainfall is high—averaging 200mm to 300mm—it is not yet the saturation point of September or October. The heat is moderated by the cloud cover; while the "feels like" temperature can soar into the high 30s°C due to humidity, the actual mercury usually stays between 30°C and 32°C (86°F–90°F).

Regional Microclimates

• The Ancient Lowlands (Siem Reap & Angkor): Here, the monsoon creates a mystical atmosphere. The stone temples of Angkor turn dark and atmospheric against the green jungle. Be aware that the humidity can make the still air within temple enclosures feel particularly stifling.
• The Coastal South (Sihanoukville & Koh Rong): The coast receives the brunt of the monsoon winds. Rainfall is significantly higher here, and the Gulf of Thailand can become choppy, sometimes affecting boat transfers to the islands.
• The Highlands (Mondulkiri & Cardamom Mountains): These regions are several degrees cooler than the plains but experience more persistent mist and lighter, drizzly rain, which can make rural roads muddy and challenging.

Historical Context and Local Life

Historically, this is the time of the "Ploughing Festival" and the start of the rice-planting season. Locals view the rain as a life-giving force rather than an inconvenience. You will notice the country’s infrastructure adapting: houses are built on stilts for a reason, and the Great Lake (Tonle Sap) begins its dramatic expansion, swelling to several times its dry-season size. For the traveler, this means boat navigation becomes easier as water levels rise, revealing hidden floating villages that are inaccessible in the winter.

What the Weather "Feels Like"

Don't let the rain stats fool you; the sun in July remains exceptionally strong. Even on overcast days, the UV intensity is high. The humidity is the defining sensory experience—it is a thick, floral-scented warmth that makes every breeze feel like a relief. When the rain does fall, it isn't cold; it is a warm, tropical bath that brings a unique, earthy scent known as petrichor to the Cambodian countryside.